If I were to grow three tomato plants per growbag how much Nutrient Soution (NS) would be required per day. I am looking at growing 36 plants with 100L recirculating NS reservoir. Will it last 2 weeks before the need for change of the NS?

Thanks,

Srikanth

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Srikanth

geekgardener

Bangalore, India

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November 4, 2010 - 7:55 pm

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Hey Srikanth,

I had 3 grow bags with 3 tomato plants each. The daily requirement of nutes was ~30L(my reservoir was 35L and every day water goes low enough that motor cannot pump). I also assumining that you do multiple irrigations per day. I did 6Am to 6PM, 15ms for every 3 hour. There is water loss due to transpiration and there is some amount soaked in by the cocopeat in the grow bag( which later goes to the plant).

Hope this helps.

GG

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Srikanth

Serilingampally, Hyderabad

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November 4, 2010 - 8:19 pm

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WoW!!! 3L/plant/day is way too much. I am guessing this was at the full growth of the plants. My previous DWC setup had 4 plants with just 13 L of water. It used to last for 2 weeks. It did great for 2 1/2 months before summer struck. In summer the plants consumed 1L/day/plant and also by then the plants started bearing fruits too. (The plants eventually died because I the NS temp shot to 42C.)

I am really surprised to note the high NS consumption in your setup especially considering that you have a shade net.

I hope Urban Gardener will pitch in with his observations of his setup.

Thanks,

Srikanth

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Srikanth

geekgardener

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November 4, 2010 - 8:23 pm

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My numbers are for plants at full growth and in summer. Your mileage might vary. Lets wait for UG's number.

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November 6, 2010 - 11:24 am

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Hi Guys,

As you are aware of the three different hydroponic setups I have, here are a few details for your reference:

A) Recirculating Drip Irrigation – Tomatoes

1. Nine plastic pots (14")

2. 20 plants (Hey I am thinnng them )

3. They are 6 weeks old and have been for about 2 weeks in the system (Hydroponic Pots ) . Fruiting initiated

4. They are taking about 4 litres NS in a week ( Will keep you posted with further details )

5. Drip Cycle – Once a week (Any suggestions ?)

6. Lots of new leaves in a week's time and the plants have also picked up.

C) DWC – Cherry Tomatoes

1. One pot ( 14") – 8.5 L NS

2. 3 plants in it.

3. They are 6 week old and have been in the system since 22nd Oct.

4. The NS has been good for about 2 weeks but going by the book would be changing it today. pH had drifted slightly on the higher side on the 10th day which I fixed by adding vinegar.

5. Drip Cycle – Once a week (Any suggestions ?)

So basically I feel the NS requirement depends on variables like medium used, water quality, temperature, humidity and plant's age. The DWC NS consumption is way different from the cocopeat NS consumption.

What's your take on this ?

Happy growing !

UG

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Srikanth

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November 6, 2010 - 8:54 pm

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I am just not able to find a good reason why Growbags should consume more NS than DWC. The only reason I can think of is the Growbag is not properly staturated. That should anyway dissappear over a period of week or two.

Do any of you flush the Growbags with fresh water every few weeks. I think flushing would be a good idea to remove any toxicity build up.